There has been exciting planning news recently for East Kent, as blueprints are being constructed for a multi-million pound redevelopment to help the county’s recession hit area.
There has been a need for a ‘creative’ solution to the economic problems of the region; the population of which has grown by 8% in the last ten years while job losses at some of the county’s biggest employers have not helped the situation. Recently, priority has been given to regeneration of the area’s seafront locations, with plans afoot to bring in national businesses, attract more tourists and kick-start the development of an area which promises a bright future for residents and business owners alike.
Recent regional development, such as the London Array wind turbine farm off the coast of Kent has helped bring generation to the area and is now officially the largest working wind farm in the world. Media attention will help – but also the confidence from businesses that bringing infrastructure to East Kent is a viable and potentially beneficial option.
Expansion and re-development of Dover’s port is one the main signs of commitment to infrastructure, as well as improvement of Manston and Lydd airports to make the most of their locations and access to London. The region’s new high-speed rail has brought a spotlight to Kent, and it is thought that building on the positive development already in line for the enterprise zone will leave people optimistic about the potential for jobs in the region.
Fundamentally, what this regeneration does mean for the area is badly needed jobs. It also means greater connectivity to London and to Europe, and it builds upon improvements already made to the rail network – it is clear infrastructure and transport is vital to the regeneration plans.
KSLaw are specialist planning lawyers in Kent – contact us now for a number of planning law services.